Saint Matthias Chapel, from Past to Present

If you are a member of Brownell Talbot’s community then you must know of the chapel. Whether you’ve only seen it from the outside or attended service inside, you know of its existence, but it’s not just a building students go to every Tuesday for a moment of mindfulness before getting back into the academic grind.

Built in 1950, Saint Matthias Chapel has been the center of the BT community ever since. The chapel is named after Saint Matthais, who was chosen to replace Judas after his betrayal of Jesus, as described in the Acts of Apostles (1:21-26). Little is known of Matthais other than his devotion to Jesus Christ and spreading Christianity.

As you enter the chapel you may see the large, beautiful,  stained glass window and the altar at the front. Another interesting piece of history at the entrance of the chapel is the certificate confirming that the Saint Matthias Chapel at Brownell Hall is officially part of the Protestant Episcopal Church. As you exit, 12 plaques adorn the North East wall; each plaque is dedicated to one of Jesus’s apostles.

Throughout history, several upgrades have been made to the chapel. Renovations have included an upgrade from physical metal bells to digital bell sounds, the installation of speakers and a microphone system, and new carpet. If you have attended a service within the chapel or had the chance to sit in one of the pews, you may have seen the colorful windows adorning the sides of the chapel. Each window has been dedicated to the school by a grateful student. One of the many windows was donated by Betty Curtis, Jean Frasier, and Susan Hruby. Mrs Hruby graduated in 1962 and was also a part of the Altar Guild while attending Brownell Hall. 

Religion played a key role in the daily life of students and staff at Brownell Hall, the original girls’ school. Everyone attended chapel at least twice during the week, according to Brownell Hall Alumni from varying classes. Mrs Kathrine Abernathy (class of 1962) says that her class would go to chapel every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30. Mrs Lowell Mcmullin (class of 1952) states that when she started at Brownell Hall in 1946, students would attend chapel every morning. Students had the option to join Altar Guild, which was a group of students that would prepare everything for services and ultimately be the caretakers of the chapel. An excerpt from the 1962 yearbook says, “Being a member of the Altar Guild is considered a privilege at Brownell; not only does membership furnish the knowledge to care for an altar, but also it provides a spiritual release to serve God.” One distinct difference that is shown throughout previous school years is the religion department. Students at Brownell Hall used to take religion as a daily class.

After interviewing many alumni about their favorite memory from chapel, many responses are noteworthy. Mrs Dede Allen (class of 1980) said, “I just remember it being the place of peace, [where] we gathered to hear difficult news, to watch gifted performances and to attend weekly chapel.” This was when chapel was attended every Wednesday. Another alumni, Mr Scott Clinton (class of 1994) said, “My parents were married there. My brother and I were baptized there. My brother, cousin, and good friends were married there. My brother’s funeral was there. Full circle of life. Mom attended Brownell Hall (class of 1962). My brother and I were lifers, graduating in 1990 and 1994, respectively. Those of us who graduated in the 80’s and 90’s attended chapel once a week and dawned the ‘formal’ uniform.” Mr Clinton’s mom was Janie Baker (class of 1962). Lastly, Mrs Melissa Krejci (class of 2001) said, “I was a lifer and Chapel day was every week on Tuesdays in our formal uniform. I remember singing All Things Bright and Beautiful. Miss Bilunas played piano when I was in lower school. Each year, Fr. Peterson incorporated Beating of the Bounds and blessing of pets into our chapel routine. Christmas chapel senior year stands out.”

The chapel contains many noteworthy traditions, such as the memorable Senior Chapel. Senior Chapel is a tradition that BT still follows after many years of preserving it, and is still one of the most exciting parts to students’ senior year. Seniors and their parents are allowed to attend the ceremony where the seniors perform songs and make speeches for their fellow classmates.

As we look forward to celebrating Christmas this year the chapel has been beautifully decorated with a tree and garland. Past classes have fond memories of the chapel, and our current students have many more opportunities to make their own memories.

Special thanks to Ms. Mackender for her assistance in researching this article and taking the time to sit down and chat about the unique history of one of the most iconic landmarks on the BT campus.